In a post on the centre-left blog Labour List, Ms Abbott wrote: "Jeremy is the clear choice of our members and affiliates, and has made step forwards for our party in the nine months he has been leader, despite facing continuous media hostility. We need Labour unity at a time when the Tories are unable to govern and have no positive vision for our future."

He also received the support of pop star Lily Allen, who tweeted: "All you Blairite Labour careerist b******* leave Jeremy Corbyn alone. If anyone can lead our country out of this darkness it's him not you."

With leading party figures publicly demanding he “do the honourable thing" and stand down, Mr Corbyn looks set to face a vote of no confidence on Tuesday in a secret ballot that would give MPs the cover of anonymity.

His closest aides have labelled the attempted coup a “self-indulgent act” at a time of uncertainty for the country, with Mr Corbyn insisting on Friday: "I will not resign."